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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 955 records · Page 53
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1974

Models of the earth's electric field

Detailed models of the electric field of the magnetosphere are derived in several stages. For all, the conductivity along field lines is assumed to be high enough to ensure the vanishing of E B everywhere except in the ionosphere. At first the rotation of the earth is ignored completely and a simple model is constructed which fits certain observed properties. Next, the rotation of the earth is taken into account, but the field is assumed to be that of a magnetic dipole rotating around its symmetry axis. This allows the concept of the electric potential to be retained, which permits the derivation of interesting properties including the use of a conjugate potential which paces the drift of charged particles in the field. Finally, the general case involving asymmetrical rotation is briefly discussed.

Stern, D.↗
NASA NTRS1994

A qualitative and quantitative laser-based computer-aided flow visualization method

The experimental approach presented here offers a nonintrusive, qualitative and quantitative evaluation of full field flow patterns applicable in various geometries in a variety of fluids. This Full Flow Field Tracking (FFFT) Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) technique, by means of particle tracers illuminated by a laser light sheet, offers an alternative to Laser Doppler Velocimetry (LDV), and intrusive systems such as Hot Wire/Film Anemometry. The method makes obtainable the flow patterns, and allows quantitative determination of the velocities, accelerations, and mass flows of an entire flow field. The method uses a computer based digitizing system attached through an imaging board to a low luminosity camera. A customized optical train allows the system to become a long distance microscope (LDM), allowing magnifications of areas of interest ranging up to 100 times. Presented in addition to the method itself, are studies in which the flow patterns and velocities were observed and evaluated in three distinct geometries, with three different working fluids. The first study involved pressure and flow analysis of a brush seal in oil. The next application involved studying the velocity and flow patterns in a cowl lip cooling passage of an air breathing aircraft engine using water as the working fluid. Finally, the method was extended to a study in air to examine the flows in a staggered pin arrangement located on one side of a branched duct.

Canacci, Victor A.↗
NASA NTRS1975

On the distortion of the Jovian magnetic field R greater than about 40 Jovian radii as deduced from charged particle studies

The relationship between the rotation of Jupiter's magnetic field and time variations in the intensity of nearly 6 to 30 MeV electrons observed by Pioneer 10 in the outer regions of Jupiter's magnetosphere is considered. The 6-30 MeV electron flux showed regular intensity variations with a period of approximately 10 hours. The behavior of this energetic electron flux is found to be most consistent with confinement of particles to a magnetic equatorial plane which is considerably distorted from the shape expected for rigid corotation of the magnetic field with Jupiter. The distortion is likely to arise from stresses resulting from interaction of the magnetosphere with the solar wind and from inertial effects of the magnetospheric plasma.

Mckibben, R. B.↗
NASA NTRS1971

Ion sources for electric propulsion

Ion systems, which accelerate ions of Cs, Hg, or colloid particles by electrostatic fields, are furthest advanced and ready for application. Four kinds of ion sources have been developed: The contact ionization source for Cs as propellants, the electron bombardment source for Cs or Hg, the RF ionization source for Hg, and the hollow needle spray nozzle for colloidal glycerol particles. In each case, the ion beam must be neutralized by injection of electrons shortly behind the exit orifice to avoid adverse space charge effects.

Stuhlinger, E.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Simultaneous observations of the near-earth and distant geomagnetic tail during a substorm by ISEE-1, ISEE-3 and geostationary spacecraft

The structure of the geomagnetic tail during a substorm is investigated by combining plasma, magnetic field, and energetic particle data from the ISEE-3 spacecraft in the deep tail with similar near-earth observations from ISEE-1 and geostationary spacecraft. The observations can be interpreted in terms of the neutral-line model of substorms and indicate the formation of a closed-loop field region (plasmoid) following substorm onset, which is ejected down the tail. The plasmoid is observed to have a double-loop field strucure. This may be the result of a second substorm onset occurring about 25 min after the first, producing a further near-earth neutral line and closed field loop. During the substorm recovery phase, the substorm neutral line moves tailward to beyond 130 earth radii from earth by some 3 h after substorm onset.

Richardson, I. G.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Intensity of the Fe XV emission line corona, the level of geomagnetic activity, and the velocity of the solar wind

The method of superposed epochs is used to determine the average solar wind velocity and the Kp index following central meridian passage of coronal weak and bright features identified from OSO 7 isophotograms of the Fe XV (284 A) emission line. It is found that bright coronal regions possess magnetic fields of closed configuration, thus reducing particle escape, while coronal holes possess open magnetic field lines favorable to particle escape or enhanced outflow of the solar wind.

Bell, B.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Ultrafine particle and fiber production in microgravity

In a system and method for producing ultrafine particles and ultrafine fibers of a given source material by evaporating and condensing the material in a gas atmosphere that includes inert gas. A smaller, more narrow size distribution is accomplished by producing the particles and fibers in a microgravity environment in order to reduce particle coalescence caused by convection currents. Particle coalescence also is reduced in an Earth gravity environment by controlling the convection currents. Condensed particles are collected either by providing an electrostatic field or a spatially varying magnetic field or by causing the gas to move through a filter which collects the particles. Nonferromagnetic material fibers are produced and collected by electrodes which produce an electro- static field. Ferromagnetic particles are collected by spatially varying magnetic fields.

Webb, George W.↗
NASA NTRS1994

Sources and acceleration of energetic particles in planetary magnetospheres

Energetic particles in the magnetospheres of the solar system originate from various different sources, such as the solar wind, the planetary ionospheres as well as the moons and rings of the planetary systems. Important acceleration sites are the auroral regions, the magnetotail, and the equatorial regions of the magnetospheres where electric fields, wave-particle interactions, and magnetic pumping are among the major acceleration mechanisms proposed. Over the last decade mass- and charge-sensitive particle spectrometers on satellites and space probes have collected a wealth of information about the relative contribution of the various particle sources and the major acceleration processes to the energetic particle populations. Emphasis will be put on recent studies of the source populations and the acceleration processes in the Earth's auroral zones and magnetotail. Furthermore, the Jovian system with the largest magnetosphere and its unique mixture of particle sources with strong contributions from moons will be highlighted in some results from Ulysses.

Moebius, Eberhard↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

A Separation Control CFD Validation Test Case: Baseline and Steady Suction - Part 1

Low speed flow separation over a wall-mounted hump, and its control using steady suction, were studied experimentally in order to generate a data set for a workshop aimed at validating CFD turbulence models. The baseline and controlled data sets comprised static and dynamic surface pressure measurements, flow field measurements using Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) and wall shear stress obtained via oil-film interferometry. In addition to the specific test cases studied, surface pressures for a wide variety of conditions were reported for different Reynolds numbers and suction rates. Stereoscopic PIV and oil-film flow visualization indicated that the baseline separated flow field was mainly two- dimensional. With the application of control, some three-dimensionality was evident in the spanwise variation of pressure recovery, reattachment location and spanwise pressure fluctuations. Part 2 of this paper, under preparation for the AIAA Meeting in Reno 2005, considers separation control by means of zero-efflux oscillatory blowing.

David Greenblatt↗
NASA NTRS2004

A Separation Control CFD Validation Test Case: Baseline and Steady Suction - Part 1

Low speed flow separation over a wall-mounted hump, and its control using steady suction, were studied experimentally in order to generate a data set for a workshop aimed at validating CFD turbulence models. The baseline and controlled data sets comprised static and dynamic surface pressure measurements, flow field measurements using Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) and wall shear stress obtained via oil-film interferometry. In addition to the specific test cases studied, surface pressures for a wide variety of conditions were reported for different Reynolds numbers and suction rates. Stereoscopic PIV and oil-film flow visualization indicated that the baseline separated flow field was mainly two-dimensional. With the application of control, some three-dimensionality was evident in the spanwise variation of pressure recovery, reattachment location and spanwise pressure fluctuations. Part 2 of this paper, under preparation for the AIAA Meeting in Reno 2005, considers separation control by means of zero-efflux oscillatory blowing.

Greenblatt, David↗
NASA NTRS2009

Navier-Stokes Simulation of a Heavy Lift Slowed-Rotor Compound Helicopter Configuration

Time accurate numerical simulations were performed using the Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) flow solver OVERFLOW for a heavy lift, slowed-rotor, compound helicopter configuration, tested at the NASA Langley 14- by 22-Foot Subsonic Tunnel. The primary purpose of these simulations is to provide support for the development of a large field of view Particle Imaging Velocimetry (PIV) flow measurement technique supported by the Subsonic Rotary Wing (SRW) project under the NASA Fundamental Aeronautics program. These simulations provide a better understanding of the rotor and body wake flows and helped to define PIV measurement locations as well as requirements for validation of flow solver codes. The large field PIV system can measure the three-dimensional velocity flow field in a 0.914m by 1.83m plane. PIV measurements were performed upstream and downstream of the vertical tail section and are compared to simulation results. The simulations are also used to better understand the tunnel wall and body/rotor support effects by comparing simulations with and without tunnel floor/ceiling walls and supports. Comparisons are also made to the experimental force and moment data for the body and rotor.

Allan, Brian G.↗
NASA NTRS1996

Secondary particle contribution to LET spectra on LDEF

Four experiments utilizing passive detectors (P0006, P0004, A0015, M0004) were flown on LDEF to study the radiation environment. These experiments have been summarized in a companion paper (Benton et al., 1996). One of the experimental goals was to measure LET spectra at different locations and shielding depths with plastic nuclear track detectors (PNTD). It was found that the LET spectra extended well above the LET cutoff imposed by the geomagnetic field on GCR particle penetration into LEO. The high LET particles detected were mostly short-range (range < 2000 m), indicating that they were secondaries produced locally within the PNTD. The presence of these high LET particle fluences is important for the determination of dose equivalent because of the high Quality Factors (Q) involved. A relatively small fraction of particle fluence can contribute a large fraction of dose equivalent. Short-range, inelastic secondary particles produced by trapped protons in the South Atlantic Anomaly (SAA) were found to be a major contributor to the LET spectra above 100 keV/micrometer. The LET spectra were found to extend beyond the approximately 137 keV/micrometer relativistic GCR Fe peak to over 1000 keV/micrometer. The high LET tail of the LET spectra was measured in CR-39 and polycarbonate PNTDs using different techniques. GCR made a relatively modest contribution to the LET spectra as compared to the contributions from short-range secondary particles and stopping protons. LET spectra intercomparisons were made between LDEF measurements and exposures to 154 MeV accelerated proton beams. The similarities support the role of nuclear interactions by trapped protons as the major source of secondary particles in the PNTDs. Also techniques were employed to reduce the range cutoff for detection of the short-range secondaries to approximately 1 micrometer, so that essentially all secondary particles were included in the LET spectra. This has allowed a more realistic assessment of secondary contribution to dose equivalent. Comparisons of measured and calculated LET spectra have been made that demonstrate the need for more accurate modeling of secondary particles in radiation transport codes. Comparisons include preliminary calculations in which attempts have been made to include secondary particles.

long duration↗
NASA NTRS2018

Fundamental Study of a 7-Element Fuel Injector Configuration for Gas Turbine Combustors, a Look at Cold Flow and Burning Measurements

As part of a parametric study in which we vary swirler angle and orientation and look at their effect on fluid mixing and combustion, we examine one configuration of a 7-point lean direct injector by looking at the non-combusting 2-D velocity field using PIV (Particle Image Velocimetry), and combusting system for chemical species using chemiluminescent imaging and flame spectroscopy. The circular 7-point array consists of axial swirlers, with the center 60 degree counterclockwise swirler surrounded by six 52 degree clockwise swirlers. The velocity results for this configuration show that the outer swirlers serve to isolate the center flow field near the injector exit. A recirculation zone forms downstream of the center swirler, but not behind the outer swirlers. The combusting results also show an isolated zone directly downstream of the center injector. The flame spectra show variation in speciation of combustion species such as OH* and CH*, and as a function of position within the combustor.

lean direct injection↗
NASA NTRS1994

Nondestructive time-of-capture, location and velocity sensing in intact capture

Velocity sensing of hypervelocity particles was a significant field of interest from the 1960s to 1970s. Generically, velocity sensing has been approached by either of two methods: first, detecting direct plasma or light emissions onto a solid surface, or second, performing time-of-flight by film penetration, or by detecting charged particles passing a static electric field. Impact plasma techniques required the destruction of the particles. Multiple-film penetrations were also destructive, especially for small particles. There is a need for an integrated, reliable, and simple location and velocity sensor compatible to our intact capture underdense medium without contributing additional damage to the captured particle. Since cometary dust, like cosmic dust, is essentially randomly distributed, knowing the time of the dust capture and the location of the capture on the collector permits the identification of the specific dust particle captured. Velocity information helps to determine the trajectory of the dust particle. Our discovery of a very suitable acoustic sensor and fruitful experimental results have led to the realization of a flight velocity sensor with intact capture underdense media.

Tsou, Peter↗
NASA NTRS1977

Low-energy particle observations in the quiet dayside cusp from AE-C and AE-D

AE-C and AE-D observations at low altitudes in the high-latitude region near magnetic local noon have revealed properties of low energy electrons and protons that are similar to those determined from earlier particle and field-aligned current observations. The principal feature determined in the present study is a well-defined boundary (less than a few km or 0.01 deg in invariant latitude) which appears only in the postnoon high-latitude region. Energy spectra of low energy electrons and protons show a distinctive softening at latitudes above this boundary. The region of soft particle precipitation above this boundary (located near 78 deg invariant latitude during moderately disturbed to quiet geomagnetic conditions) is identified as the dayside cusp.

Potemra, T. A.↗
NASA NTRS1977

The relationship between field-aligned current, carried by suprathermal electrons, and the auroral arc

Data from four auroral sounding rockets, which directly measured field-aligned currents with particle detectors, are presented. The largest fraction of the field-aligned current carried by electrons was (1) due to precipitating electrons of energy less than 1 keV; (2) located spatially at the edges of the auroral luminosity. A model is suggested in which these currents couple the ionosphere to the magnetosphere and produce the pre-breakup auroral arc.

Arnoldy, R. L.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Magnetic shielding of large high-power-satellite solar arrays using internal currents

Present concepts for solar power satellites involve dimensions up to tens of kilometers and operating internal currents up to hundreds of kiloamperes. A question addressed is whether the local magnetic fields generated by these strong currents during normal operation can shield the array against impacts by plasma ions and electrons (and from thruster plasmas) which can cause possible losses such as power leakage and surface erosion. One of several prototype concepts was modeled by a long narrow rectangular panel 2 km wide and 20 km long. The currents flow in a parallel across the narrow dimension (sheet current) and along the edge (wire currents). The wire currents accumulate from zero to 100 kiloamp and are the dominant sources. The magnetic field is approximated analytically. The equations of motion for charged particles in this magnetic field are analyzed. The ion and electron fluxes at points on the surface are represented analytically for monoenergetic distributions and are evaluated.

Parker, L. W.↗
NASA NTRS1982

The spokes in Saturn's rings - A critical evaluation of possible electrical processes

Among the mechanisms proposed to explain the novel spoke phenomenon occurring in Saturn's B-ring, the alignment of particles by an electric field has been suggested. In this and related theories, the particles are assumed to be adequately conducting; or at least it is the case that electrical conductivity generally acts to enhance the feasibility of the proposed processes. These ideas are appraised in light of the fact that the particles are most likely composed of ice. It is concluded that the electrical torque required to align the particles is many orders of magnitude larger than that which is likely to exist. Also, the conductivity of ice at ring temperatures is probably so small as to inhibit some of the proposed processes.

Weinheimer, A. J.↗